A TOUCH of la belle France has arrived at Broughton Hall in the guise of the iconic Citroen H van - but behind its functional, corrugated iron-like frame is Susie Hamilton serving good wholesome English fare.

The 26-year-old from Skipton has been indulging the hungry workers at the award-winning business park for almost a year offering her home-made sandwiches, soup, sausage rolls and salads.

Marcel, for that's her pet name for the grey hog-nosed van, arrives every day, Monday to Friday, between 11am and 2pm.

As Cobble Kitchen - named to reflect the setts on Skipton High Street - she turns up at six designated locations on the estate loaded with the food - the ingredients all sourced locally - she has prepared with help from her mum and friend, Sarah Brunskill.

Susie gave up her photography job in Leeds to start the business, her dad having bought the 7-year-old van in Wales. "It had no engine so dad bought an original to get it back on the road," said Susie.

"I designed the kitchen and a joiner made the fittings. I looked at catering businesses to fit it out but it was going to be in stainless steel and to cost £20,000.

"It was too expensive and didn't reflect the character of the vehicle. I also sourced a lot of second hand things and vintage props.

"People think Marcel is fantastic. He seems to interact with people. They seem to flock towards us. The response is great.

"We're something of a beacon. He catches people's eye and I've had comments about how far they've walked passing other food vans along the way just to reach me," said Susie.

"I love the work and the interaction with people which I didn't get working in a photographer's studio. People always seem to be in a good mood and praise the food."

The backbone of her business is the Broughton Hall location from where she was given permission to work by estate owner Roger Tempest "after I badgered him" said Susie.

But she can also be seen working at events, weddings and birthdays around the Skipton area.

She uses social media to keep people updated on her whereabouts and recent news. Susie's boyfriend, Sam Wilson, has set up the website along with Twitter and Facebook accounts.

"Due to the age of the van we don’t travel very far so tend to get involved in most Skipton events. We do occasionally get out to Ilkley and Harrogate so people may have seen us there.

"We only take private bookings within a 25-mile radius and do food and catering for small parties or business meetings but can do coffee and cake for larger events," she added.

Marcel and Susie will next appear at the Yarndale event at Skipton Auction Mart on September 26 and 27 and the Puppet Festival on October 3 and 4 in Skipton Canal Basin.